The air was thick with tension as the grand hall of the Redwood estate buzzed with anticipation. The Blood Rite, an ancient werewolf ritual, was a secret tradition known only to the pack. Its announcement sent ripples of uncertainty through the members of the council and the pack, yet most of the family remained blissfully unaware of its true significance.
Tonight, however, Xanthe intended to change that.
Lynam stood at her side, his expression unreadable. He knew the Blood Rite was a powerful declaration, one that would solidify Xanthe's position as the true Alpha Luna. Yet, he was also painfully aware that their bond was strained. If this ritual didn't work, it could fracture their fragile union.
At the far end of the room, Alex, Michelle, and Elias watched with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. None of them knew the full extent of what was about to unfold, but Elias's guarded expression suggested he sensed something bigger was in motion.
"I'm calling a family meeting," Alex had declared earlier, his tone filled with authority. "We need to discuss the future of our legacy."
Lynam had nodded reluctantly, knowing his father's manipulations ran deep. Michelle, as always, had looked eager to stir the pot, her eyes flicking toward Xanthe with thinly veiled disdain.
Now, as Xanthe stepped forward, the weight of the pack's expectations settled heavily on her shoulders. She raised her voice, her words echoing through the hall.
"The Blood Rite is a test of loyalty, strength, and unity. It's a rite of passage that reaffirms the Alpha Luna's right to lead," she announced, her eyes sweeping over the gathered crowd. "Tonight, we will honor this tradition."
Gasps rippled through the non-supernatural members of the family. Alex frowned deeply, exchanging a quick glance with Michelle.
"What is this nonsense?" Alex demanded, standing abruptly. "Since when does our family engage in such... barbaric rituals?"
Xanthe remained calm, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "It's part of my heritage. Something I can no longer ignore. Lynam and I must face this together for the future of both our family and our legacy."
Michelle stepped forward, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "This seems awfully convenient. A sudden ritual to distract from the cracks in your marriage?"
Lynam's eyes darkened, but Xanthe held up a hand, silencing him before he could respond. "You're welcome to leave if you feel this isn't your concern."
Elias, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "I think we should hear her out," he said, feigning support. "After all, we've always valued tradition, haven't we, Alex?"
Alex narrowed his eyes but didn't argue. His curiosity overrode his disdain, and he slowly retook his seat.
The room transformed as members of the pack began chanting in their ancient tongue. Candles flickered, casting eerie shadows across the walls. A large ceremonial bowl, filled with a mixture of herbs and wolf blood, was placed at the center.
Xanthe and Lynam stepped forward, their hands clasped tightly. Despite their distance, in this moment, they appeared united.
As Xanthe began the ritual, her voice was steady. "In the presence of the pack, under the witness of the moon, we reaffirm our bond, our strength, and our loyalty."
Lynam followed, his voice strong yet laden with emotion. "We rise together, or we fall divided. Let the Blood Rite be our testament."
The pack members howled in unison, their voices merging into a haunting chorus. Xanthe made a shallow cut on her palm, letting her blood drip into the bowl. Lynam did the same, their mingled blood a symbol of unity.
In the back of the room, Alex's knuckles turned white as he gripped his chair. "This is madness," he muttered under his breath.
Michelle leaned closer, whispering, "Maybe. But it's also a perfect opportunity."
Elias smirked, his mind already calculating. The Blood Rite was an unexpected twist, but one he could use to his advantage. He needed to let Alex and Michelle remain ignorant of the supernatural truth while steering their actions toward his ultimate goal—Xanthe's downfall.
As the ritual reached its climax, a pulse of energy rippled through the room, leaving the humans disoriented. Alex frowned, sensing something he couldn't explain, while Michelle's unease grew.
"What the hell was that?" Michelle hissed.
"Nothing," Elias said smoothly, masking his knowledge. "Just theatrics. But if we play our cards right, this might work in our favor."
As the ceremony concluded, Xanthe and Lynam stood at the center, their bond momentarily restored in the eyes of the pack. Yet, the tension outside the ritual remained palpable.
Alex approached them, his expression hard. "I don't know what you're playing at, but this isn't over. Whatever game you're running, I'll find out."
Michelle added, "And when I do, you'll regret ever dragging this family into your mess."
Lynam's gaze hardened. "It's not a game, Michelle. And if you don't understand that yet, maybe it's best you stay out of it."
Xanthe nodded firmly. "This is bigger than any of us. You'll see soon enough."
As Alex and Michelle left, Elias lingered behind, his eyes narrowing as he watched Xanthe. The Blood Rite was only the beginning. He would ensure that their trust, their bond, and their leadership would be tested in ways they couldn't imagine.
Even after everything, Alex and Michelle couldn't understand what they were getting involved in but neither the less, the pack had erased their memory of what had transpired